RIVALRY

Nnedinma and I stepped out of the old Volkswagen that had transported us from Sam Mbakwe international airport in Owerri to Isiekenesi, our hometown. I had enjoyed most of the ride. The dense forests that flanked both sides of the road during our journey conjured up countless imaginations in my head. I wondered what wild animals lived in the thickets near the road and the bushes beyond. I imagined myself as a young savage woman living amongst the animals, a female version of Tarzan. I chuckled when I imagined a young, handsome prince cutting down dried tree trunks and overgrown grasses, swatting at flies and other insects, braving lions and monkeys just to reach me. I closed my eyes and pictured him kneeling and asking my hand in marriage, taking me out of the forest to live in his lavish palace while all my animal friends said goodbye. I was rudely jolted from my daydream when the Volkswagen shook violently as we hit yet another pothole in the road. The constant shaking and squealing and groaning of the old car as it struggled through harsh roads irked me. I did not enjoy the disturbing part of the journey. Moreover, I was glad I had my imaginations to keep me company, because I did not want to talk to my elder sister Nnedinma. It helped that she was siting next to the driver while I had the back of the car all to myself.

As we stepped out of the car, we were met with an onslaught of relatives. Children ran towards and grabbed Nnedinma and I in a tight embrace, then danced around the large compound singing welcome songs; men and women took turns to greet us with “Nno” and “Kedu?” I tried to keep the smile plastered on my face but my cheeks were starting to hurt from faking a smile for so long. I hated the dirty looking people touching me. They all seemed genuinely happy to see us, but I just wanted to get inside and rest from the long journey. I slid a sideward glance at Nnedinma. She was warmly embracing everyone, responding to greetings and smiling. Her smile was genuine! I couldn’t believe it. What would she not do to please people?

Uncle Ugochukwu bounced out of the house, a huge grin on his face. He was a heavily set man, with strong, muscular arms and wide shoulders. He pushed through the crowd of relatives that had come to welcome us home and grabbed Nnedinma and I, hugging us one by one, and looking us over in that affectionate manner one does when they have not seen a relative in a long time.

“Welcome home my darlings!” His voice boomed. “You must be very tired, come inside. Your room is prepared.” He dragged Nnedinma and I by our arms and led us to the front door of the house, yelling in Igbo for the children to help us with our bags.

Once inside, away from the commotion and people, I let out an exasperated sigh. Uncle Ugo took notice.

“You are tired Uloma,” He said. It wasn’t a question.

“Uncle,” I replied, “It was a long trip.”

“Yes, I know,“ He responded, “But everyone is so happy to see both of you. You must not let them sense your unhappiness.”

“Uncle, pay Uloma no mind,” Nnedinma spoke up. “I’m sure after a long rest she will come around.”

Nnedinma smiled shyly. We had heard mentions of her striking resemblance to our mother both in looks and mannerisms so many times since we arrived, it irritated me. I bet she was not tired of hearing it.

“Uncle where shall we sleep?” I asked.

“Come with me to the back, my wife has prepared a room for you and Nnedi.” He walked ahead of Nnedi and I, leading the way to the back of the bungalow.

“We’re staying in the same room?” I could not hide my disdain.

Uncle Ugo stopped, turned around and stared at me, “Uloma, you know this is not America.” He smiled, “Manage our small bungalow, e nugo?” He turned around and kept walking.

Nnedinma, who was walking behind Uncle Ugo, turned to glare at me. I returned the glare. I was not going to pretend to be happy to be in this place. Thank goodness there was a power generating set. It meant I would not sweat in my sleep and have mosquitoes sing in m ears.

We entered ‘our’ room. It was a tiny room with a bunk bed. It looked like it had been recently cleaned. The beds had fresh covers. There was only one window overlooking the back of the compound where the outhouse and bathroom were located. It disgusted me that I would have to walk out of the house to be able to take a shower, urinate or defecate. Uncle Ugo opened a tall wooden wardrobe. It was empty. There were a few hangers on a rack, and some drawers underneath the rack.

“You can store your belongings here,” He motioned to the empty wardrobe.

“Uncle,” Nnedinma began, “Thank you so much. I can see that you cleaned up for us. Daalu so.”

“Nnem,” He responded, “Both of you are my blood. I’m glad you could come home even if it’s for a short visit. Manage the room.”

“Nonsense,” Nnedinma replied, a wide smile on her face. “Manage gini? You and auntie Ngozi have really tried.”

I plopped on the bed on the bottom bunk. “I’ll take this one,” I announced.

“I guess I’ll take the top bunk then,” Nnedinma replied.

Just then, the children who had busied themselves carrying our heavy luggage entered the room and dropped our bags. Nnedinma smiled and thanked them. I was too tired to care. Nnedinma promised she would distribute goodies among them the next day. They ran out excited.

“My darlings,” Uncle Ugo said, “Relax OK? Ngozi is making dinner. It is already evening. If you would like to shower, let Ngozi know. In fact, whatever you need, let us know. We’re here for you. OK?”

“Yes, Uncle,” Nnedinma and I chorused.

Uncle Ugo walked out.

Nnedinma opened one bag and began taking out clothes and toiletries and placing them inside the wardrobe.

“Don’t fill up the entire space with your stuff,” I spat.

Nnedinma paused, “What’s the matter with you Uloma?” She asked. “You’re so cranky.”

“Don’t tell me you’re glad to be here.” I said and lay down on the bed. The mattress was soft, and the pillow even softer. I stretched.

“Of course I am.” Nnedinma replied. “Why wouldn’t I be? Look how happy everyone is. When was the last time we came here? Was it not when mom and dad were buried?”

“We don’t even know most of the people that came to welcome us.” I sneered, ”And you kept smiling like ewu.”

“Watch your tongue Uloma,” Nnedinma’s tone turned angry. “Show some respect. I really hope this is only tiredness, and that by tomorrow morning you’ll be better.”

I scoffed, “I need to get back to New York.” I said.

Nnedinma ignored me and continued unpacking.

Later that night, when all the relatives who had welcomed us returned to their homes leaving myself, Nnedinma, Uncle Ugo, auntie Ngozi and their two young children Adaora and Chike—who were five and three years old respectively—alone, we sat around a large fire in the backyard and ate fufu na ofe egusi. After dinner, I decided I needed a shower. Auntie Ngozi gave me one of her wrappers and I tied it around my chest. She showed me the well that was dug in the middle of the compound where I had to draw water from. After adding some hot water she had boiled over the fire, I carried the heavy metal bucket as she led me to the bathroom. The generator had been turned on, and a single, yellow incandescent bulb lit the bathroom. Once inside, I nearly vomited. The cement wall was slimy and caked with green, filamentous matter. There were iron nails sticking out of the wooden door where I was to hang my towel, wrapper and sponge. I carefully showered; making sure my body did not touch the wall. Nnedinma did not seem to be irritated by anything at all. She even offered to carry Chike on her back to help auntie Ngozi put him to sleep. She seemed at home in this horrible place. She disgusted me even more.

∞

It was afternoon. The sun was hot and the sky was a clear blue. Nnedinma had just finished distributing candy to the children who had come around, and they had gone outside to play. We were in the wide living room where uncles and aunts sat eating garden egg and ose. Uncle Ugo came in with a keg of palm wine and everyone cheered.

“Ehen, you have come with what we have been waiting for.” Uncle Ndubuisi chimed.

Uncle Ugo laughed heartily, “I had to wait for Okoro to bring the best. Sorry to have kept you waiting, biko ewe n’iwe.”

Cups were passed round and everyone poured some palm wine and began to sip, making smacking sounds.

“Try some,” A woman who had identified herself as auntie Amaka said to Nnedinma.

“Yes, give them cups to try.” Another uncle responded.

Soon everyone in the room was urging Nnedinma and I to taste some palm wine. I vehemently refused, while Nnedinma succumbed to their pressure and had a sip. Her facial expression caused everyone in the room to burst out in laughter, and then idle chatter began. The men and women in the room teased Nnedinma and I, saying we had become too ‘americanized.’ I did not find their jesting funny, but Nnedinma seemed to have no problem with it. She even contributed to the conversation by describing an exaggerated version of New York to them, simply to entertain them.

“So what do you do now Nnedi?” Uncle Ugo, who had taken a seat amongst the guests asked. “You know we have not seen you girls since you were much younger.”

“I’m done with medical school,” Nnedinma answered. “I work at a very big hospital in New York now.”

“Chai!” Uncle Ndubuisi exclaimed. “Won’t you come home and build a hospital here for us?”

Nnedinma giggled, “Maybe when I have enough money to do so,” she answered.

“What of all the dollars you make?” Uncle Ndubuisi continued teasing, “I hear doctors are well paid o. O wu eziokwu?”

There was silence in the room. I had tuned out of their boring conversation because I simply wasn’t interested. I knew Nnedinma would get all the attention as usual, so I didn’t bother pretending to pay attention. When I heard my name, my head snapped up from admiring my colored toenails.

“I—I am still looking for a job.” I responded.

“And what did you study? Medicine too?” Uncle Ndubuisi asked.

“I did not go to university.” I muttered.

The silence in the room was loud. Uncle Ugo stared at me. He was stunned. He turned to Nnedinma and asked, “Why?”

Nnedinma glanced at me. I gave her a menacing look. “Um,” She began, “In America, not everyone goes to university Uncle. It’s not a problem. She can still find work.”

“So, you pay house rent and provide money for food and she stays at home and does nothing?”

Silence.

Uncle Ugo turned to Uloma, “Is this true Uloma?”

I was seething. I was very sure Nnedinma was happy with the sudden turn of the conversation. She was always the goody-two-shoes and never hesitated to show off. “And what if it is true Uncle?” I spat, “She makes a lot of money, she might as well share it.”

“Uloma!” Nnedinma exclaimed, shocked at my rudeness.

The guests were alarmed at the manner in which I had responded to uncle Ugo but I didn’t care. “What?” I was too angry now, “Is it a crime not to work? I enjoy my life, and I hate this fucking place!” I stood up and walked out of the living room to the bedroom and began packing my belongings into my suitcase. I heard Nnedinma hurriedly apologize to everyone and rush after me.

“What is wrong with you?” She shouted as she entered the bedroom, “And what do you think you are doing?”

“Are you blind?” I shouted back. “I’m leaving this God-forsaken place. So dirty, so irritating.”

“Uloma,” Nnedinma relaxed and spoke softly. “You are overreacting. Please go to the living room and apologize to everyone. They came here to welcome us and find out how we are doing. Your behavior was unacceptable.”

I paused and laughed a wicked laugh. “Me? Apologize for what? I’m not sorry for anything.”

Uncle Ugo and auntie Ngozi rushed into the room.

“O gini?” Uncle Ugo asked. “Both of you are shouting. What is it?”

“I was only asking her to go and apologize.” Nnedinma sounded distraught. “Now she is packing her things and saying she is leaving.”

“But, where are you going Uloma?” Auntie Ngozi asked.

“I’m going to Lagos.” I screamed. “I’m going to book myself into a nice hotel and actually enjoy my stay in Nigeria!”

Auntie Ngozi stumbled backwards, shocked at how I had screamed at her. She ran out of the room, crying. Uncle Ugo was furious. He glared at me for a few seconds, breathing heavily. He looked like he was going to say something, but decided against it and ran after his wife to console her. At this point I didn’t care. I was so angry that I would hurt anyone who came close to me. I was tired of living under Nnedinma’s shadow. She was the excellent one, the one who made all the right decisions, who was never wrong. She was the one who looked and acted like our mother, the one everyone turned to for advice, the one with the handsome boyfriend who confided in me that he would be proposing to her in a month. The one with the well paying job, the kind one, the one who would put others before herself, the one who would be comfortable staying in a dump like this village! I hated her for convincing me to come here. I hated her for feeling at home here knowing that I wasn’t comfortable. I hated her, period.

“Uloma!” Nnedinma screamed. “How dare you shout at auntie Ngozi like that? What did that poor woman do to you? Have you lost your mind?”

“Shut up, you bitch!” I responded.

Nnedinma walked forward and slapped me. I placed my hand on my cheek, astounded that she had dared to slap me. My eyes glanced around the room and fell on a pair of scissors lying on a side table. Without thinking, I picked it up and stabbed her in the chest.

Nnedinma’s eyes widened. She was in shock. “U—Uloma…” She spluttered.

“Yes,” My eyes were red and glazed from the anger I felt, “Let me see how you will be a doctor in New York now,” I whispered. I withdrew the scissors and stabbed her again. “Let me see how Marcus will propose to you now,” I stabbed her again. She fell to the ground. “Let me see how everyone will like you now. I’m your next of kin. I will inherit everything!” I laughed. Nnedinma lay on the concrete floor, dead.

No one had seen me kill Nnedinma. I hurriedly stuffed a suitcase with the rest of my belongings and ran out of the house. The living room was empty as I fled. All the old fools had obviously been upset and had left. Uncle Ugo was somewhere consoling his fat, ugly wife, and his children were probably with him. What a disgusting way to live, I thought as I ran out of the compound. An Okada was passing by and I stopped it and quickly hopped on the motorbike, instructing the rider to take me to the nearest motor park. I knew it would be a matter of time before Nnedinma’s body was discovered, and I wanted to be as far away from Isiekenesi as possible. There was no way they would find me. There was no way I was returning to this nasty village anyway.

The rider dropped me off at the motor park and I paid him. Thankfully, only one passenger seat was left. I quickly paid for my bus ticket to Owerri and boarded the bus. I had escaped. I felt free. I felt content.

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Hmm, wen so much jealousy and anger is bottled up inside for a long time, it explodes at once and the result is unimaginable. How can Uloma be dis jealous of her own blood sister to the point of proudly killing her as her next of kin.

D world is indeed filled with wicked and jealous people. No matter how simple, humble and accommodating u choose to live, some one out there will still hate u. Of a truth, “…being real get u hated”.

Let me start by sayn, this is a well composed and intelligible writing.
Uloma seems like the ideal pampared Amercan bred kid who had almost everything she asks of. But hated the idea of being the second choice at everything or the fact that her sister Nnedinma was better at everything. And its obvious she has a wicked heart and a dangerous jealous trait.
I have reasons to belive that this can’t be the end of this lovely story. She will have to face the consequences of her actions. Her freedom and escape will be short lived because owning to the fact that she is living off her sister, she will need money to survive and I am sure her Uncle will stop at nothing to make her face the law.

Jealousy always give birth to hatred. Its a lesson to all, neva act or take decision wen angry or emotionaly stressed. Pls Ma’am Maureen continue dis story dnt end it here oooh cus nemesis must tak place

This is beyond jealousy; HATRED, ANGER……its really unbelievable. The only one sibling who is supposed to have her back has caused her doom. Who can one trust in this world?!
It’s really unfortunate, Uloma was supposed to have her sister as her role model instead of a rival. May we not have a sibling that wil cause our doom. Amen.

I could actually feel the tension buildup like i was there with them but didn’t expect what it led to…. A lot of lessons to be learned:
– Never reward laziness, it may just come back to bite you.
– Hard work pays, your confidence level soars.
– Jealousy kills, she actually stabbed her only sister.
– Family is everything, there’s no place like home.

am shorts of words but one thing I know is that he who kills by sword shall go by sword. Nnedimma shall not die o, let her name be her accomplice in dealing with Uloma. The dead mother should intervene in this matter and as for Uloma, I know Nnedi will forgive you due to her large heart but you will not escape punishment for taking pride in killing your sister!

Hmmmmm! What a story. The jealousy and the rivalry that would make one think of taking the life of another man is surely too extreme. No one takes the life of another and goes scot-free. Don’t think you’re free now.
I don’t blame those people when they said they were too Americanized, because it’s only in America that she could think of committing such heinous crime with utmost impunity under the disguise that she was living her life.
RIP Nnedi

Bad blood among siblings date back to d bible days. Remember Cain & Abel? Joseph & his brothers? When not terminated on time, it can lead to d death of d other sibling. Cain killed Abel. Joseph’s brother attempted to kill him & even faked his death after selling him into slavery. This ‘bad blood'(envy, jealousy, hatred etc) is usually very obvious and rampant btw immediate siblings who are of the same sex. I grew up with a girl as my immediate younger sister. We have different personalities and as such were always fighting. People will commend me & condem her & this would lead to more fights. There was even a day she tore my dress and pushed me from a flight of steps. I got tired of it all & took it upon myself to work on her. Her self-esteem needed a boost and her good qualities needed to be praised. I set to work. I would deliberately start a conversation and confide in her. Gradually, her attitude began to change. To the glory of God, we’re best of friends today. In fact, she became my ‘advocate'(according to my mum). She would come to my rescue if she perceives that I’m being cheated or bullied. She confides in me. I want to believe Nnedinma wouldn’t have died that horrible death if she had created time to work on her jealous blood sister. God bless you MaureeBad blood among siblings date back to d bible days. Remember Cain & Abel? Joseph & his brothers? When not terminated on time, it can lead to d death of d other sibling. Cain killed Abel. Joseph’s brother attempted to kill him & even faked his death after selling him into slavery. This ‘bad blood'(envy, jealousy, hatred etc) is usually very obvious and rampant btw immediate siblings who are of the same sex. I grew up with a girl as my immediate younger sister. We have different personalities and as such were always fighting. People will commend me & condem her & this would lead to more fights. There was even a day she tore my dress and pushed me from a flight of steps. I got tired of it all & took it upon myself to work on her. Her self-esteem needed a boost and her good qualities needed to be praised. I set to work. I would deliberately start a conversation and confide in her. Gradually, her attitude began to change. To the glory of God, we’re best of friends today. In fact, she became my ‘advocate'(according to my mum). She would come to my rescue if she perceives that I’m being cheated or bullied. She confides in me. I want to believe Nnedinma wouldn’t have died that horrible death if she had created time to work on her jealous blood sister. God bless you Maureen.

Uloma is not not right for killing her only sister.
But come to think of it, when a child‘s “love tank“ is filled, (what i mean by love tank is when he/she is been loved to d brim) they have no choice than to be obedient, respectful and comely.

Ever heard of a house dat is full of abusive words from d parents? The children hardly excel (dey are so filled with low self esteem and hatred cos they see evryone and evrything as barriers to their happiness) all they remember is my families dnt need me so, y should i bother?.

But any house that has full tank of love for their children see those children soar in all areas of life even in their relationships.

In other words, uloma felt no love either from people and family hence, her rude behaviour which metamorphose to hatred.

Lesson: love all ur children equally, dont hate one and love others or love one and hate others it ruins ur family. Remember d story of jacob and esua.

How could have done something terrible and wicked like that. You killed your blood sister all because of nothing, ita was as if you killed the whole world. Am sure nemesis will soon catch up with you. Of course you will be free from your village but you will never be free from the punishment of your sins. It just pained me that Nnemedinma died a painful death. I felt like crying….uloma is such a wicked being, start searching for help now and save your soul.

Envy is the mother of all frustration, wen u kill out of envy hopn to be satisfied u end up finding out that ur frustration has just began n u will never b able to get out of it. The best way to cure envy is to wok and be deligent in it to make sure you r up thr. May God give us grace to be succesful so e dnt get to envy others

Hmmmm! What an interesting story! But I refuse to b kept in suspence….
So I continue d story…
Shortly after Uloma left d house, uncle Ugo came into their room to check on them as he wondered d cause of d abrupt silence. He could not believe what he saw. There, was Nnedi lying in her own pull of blood. His scream attracted neighbours who helped to rush her to d hospital where she was revived.
Meanwhile, as Uloma hurriedly left for Owerri, she forgot her passport which was in Nnedi’s custody. She had no choice, but to return to d village she hated so much, to pick her passport.
Over to u Maureen. U can now complete d good job u started… Lol!

Let mε continue from where Nnenna stopped…
Uloma got back to uncle Ugochukwu’s compound and met the whole place empty, “they have gone to bury their dead” she said to herself. She quickly dashed to their room and went straight to where Nnedinma’s bag was located, she opened it and within a minute she was with her passport. Meanwhile at the hospital the doctor in charge of Nnedima announced to the crowd waiting to hear about her health that she is lucky to be alive but has lost a lot of blood, which he advised should be available as soon as possible because her life depends heavily on it, after saying that he called Uncle Ugochukwu to his office. On getting to his office the doctor put on a rather different look that doesn’t speak well, he cleared his throat and began “Sir i’ll want you to be strong and you have to put the rest of the family together, Nnedinma’s case is a 90% chance she won’t make it, the stabbing penetrated deep into her liver and some other sensitive organs in her body. She managed to regain consciousness and requested to see you, under normal circumstances we wouldn’t allow that but she insists” Uncle Ugochukwu tried to talk but words failed him. He was ushered alone into Nnedinma ward, seeing her on the bed brought fresh tears to his face. He thought within himself “i am the cause of all this, i shouldn’t have asked those questions which resulted into this” he was still thinking when Nnedinma reached for his hands and started talking, her voice was very faint it is visible to know she’s using the last of her strength to do so. she began “thank you Uncle Ugochukwu for your hospitality i really appreciate your love for Uloma and i after the death of our parents, i can’t thank you enough, but there’s one more thing i want to ask of you” with tears filled face Uncle Ugochukwu asked “and what could that be my princess” i want you to forgive Uloma and let her be, i have felt responsible for her ever since our parent died, i don’t want to die and she’ll be suffering”, “you will not die Nnedinma” Uncle Ugochukwu cuts in, hearing this she smiled and replied “i know my time is up uncle, just promise mε you won’t take this act against her” with heavy heart Uncle Ugochukwu replied “i promise” before he could finish his statement Nnedinma breath her last, she lay lifeless on the bed. Uncle Ugochukwu’s loud cry could be heard outside the hospital
Uloma hurried out of the compound, on getting out some boys had gathered in front of Uncle Ugochukwu’s compound, on sighting her one of them scream “that is the murderer” she tried to run but she’s no match for the boys, they apprehended her and tied her to a tree waiting for directives from Uncle Ugochukwu on what to do to her, when Uncle Ugochukwu returned from the hospital and saw Uloma been tied to a tree he felt pity for her because she doesn’t look her real self she had been beaten mercilessly he asked them to untie her, when she was freed he looked her in the eyes and said “your sister was the best thing that could have happened to anybody, inspite of all the love she had for you, you still went ahead and end her life” he sighed a heavy sigh and continued “despite your cruel attitude towards her, she still made mε promise her that no harm would befall you that she forgave you” after saying these the whole crowd were astonished, they couldn’t believe their hears, Uloma who had not show any form of remorse right from when those boys tied and beat her even till when Uncle Ugochukwu arrived from the hospital falls down and starts crying she couldn’t believe her sister could love her that much she start to reminisce on how Nnedinma had been there for her in the states, how she would just to make her happy gone out of her way to please her, how she shower her with gifts, money and advices which she didn’t heed to…she was still in this state when the old volkswagen shook again as it hit another big pot hole, and woke her up she from her daydream turned nightmare. She tapped Nnedinma on the shoulder to confirm if it was really a dream, Nnedinma turned and looked at her both with a smile and a questioning face Uloma understood and answered with the statement “i love you” with a little bit of surprise because she can’t remember when last she heard that statement from Uloma, but she still managed to reply “i love you too” through out the rest of the journey Uloma was all smiles and keeps thanking God it was just a dream

Yipee! And they became the best siblings ever. Wow! Thank you Nnena and Midas for turning a story that would have ended as a tragedy to a happy ending. Maureen has successfully awakened the sleeping writer in you. Kudos girls.

Hmmmm! What an interesting story! But I refuse to be kept in suspense, so I continue the story…
Shortly after Uloma left the house, uncle Ugo came into their room to check on them as he wondered the cause of the abrupt silence. He could not believe what he saw. There, was Nnedi lying in her own pull of blood. His scream attracted neighbours who helped to rush her to the hospital where she was revived.
Meanwhile, as Uloma hurriedly left for Owerri, she forgot her international passport which was in Nnedi’s custody. She had no choice, but to return to the village she hated so much, to pick her passport.
NOW over to you Maureen. You can now complete the good job you started… Lol!

I Had Escaped(are You Sure, Seems To Me You Only Boarded A Bus)
I Felt Free(maybe True Cos That Is Your Own Feeling, I Cant Interfere There)
I Felt Content( Your Contentment Is A Sorry Case)
I Feel Sorry For Uloma(yes, That Is My Personal Feeling And My Personal Prayer Is That Amadioha Should Strike Uloma Dead)

I see most people blaming Uloma and even though she has I fault, I see the Society’s hand in this also.I think The jealousy Uloma felt is as a result of pain being bottled up for a long time. I also think the death of their parents and Nnedinma’s possible motherly behaviour, probably trying to boss her around and all that added to her sense of ‘not-good-enough’. I wouldn’t be surprised if there used to be a preference for Nnedinma by their parents or one of the parents before their death. Who knows?, the only friend Uloma had might have been one of their parents and at their death she feels no one can understand her again and she’s stuck with this big sister who is too perfect to know what It feels like to feel the way she feels, thus the anger.
I can go on and on but my main point here is that we shouldn’t be so quick to judge people without knowing their story. Afterall, this Uloma matter can as well be a psychological imbalance resulting from years of pain and anger.
Nice work LC.
Maureen, you rock!

This is very refreshing, I love the angle from which the story is told. The raw emotions and feelings of uloma to me is what makes it special. She lives in her own world defined by her own sense of morality. You can’t blame her because like all humans, she’s just another helpless slave to her natural inclinations. she’s just unlucky to have all those ‘negative’ intrinsic traits which elicits hatred from fellow human beings.

Thumbs up yet again Maureen, From all your write-ups, i have this feeling that you are very versatile, open minded, very intelligent and incredibly talented.I look forward to more of this.

O my God! What a sad story, pls take nnedimma to the hospital she might revive, lik nnenna said uloma wil cum 4 her pasport and see her sister alive and may repent frm her evil way. Ooooo hw i wish i can change this. Mauren pls finish the story.

O my God! What a sad story, pls take nnedimma to the hospital she might revive, lik nnenna said uloma wil cum 4 her pasport and see her sister alive and may repent frm her evil ways. Ooooo hw i wish i can change this. Mauren pls finish the story.

For anyone who wants an alternative end to the story, refer to the comments of Nnenna and Midas above who have become my incredible assistants! 🙂
I’d also like to really thank everyone. Your comments are the highlight of my day. I’m glad you enjoy my stories. You’re all amazing. 🙂

To me, Uloma was nt jealous neither was she wicked… She felt she was being abandoned because her snr sis was seen as the better and most perfect while she was seen as the bad person… She allowed anger take the better part of her…

Uloma’s hatred for her Sister sure started since they were little, no much wonder what comparison breeds. Their parents would have been at fault for this.
It is not a wise idea for Children to be so much aware of their weaknesses, especially when being pointed out by their loved ones and the worst is comparing with another Child’s strength, breeds evil!

Uloma’s hatred for her Sister sure started since they were little, no much wonder what comparison breeds. Their parents would have been at fault for this.
It is not a wise idea for Children to be so much aware of their weaknesses, especially when being pointed out by their loved ones and the worst is comparing with another Child’s strength, it breeds evil!

I don’t totally blame Uloma because it was obvious that she was suffering from inferiority complex and all the things and way she has wanted to be its all in Nnendi so she feels out of place. If only she was worked on and loved for who she was instead of always comparing her with her big sister I think her level of anger won’t have deteriorated to that point. My younger sister was always angry with me and will find a way to pick fight with me but I do ignore her and this also make her so mad until I got fed up with her attitude and cautioned her. I was shocked when I heard her saying that am the perfect daughter and friend everybody loves and want. Am the first daughter so according to her I have a position in the house while she has nothing. Am a kind of person that hardly complains even if I don’t get the things I asked my parents for so whenever she complains they will tell her to keep quiet and try to be like me that even contributes to the house. So all I did was to tell her that she can never be like me and that we are both different because and reserved while she is the out going type. So its best for her to live her own life and I told my parents to stop asking to be like me and love both her good and her bad and that’s how things got better. Midas I love your completion of the story.

Wonderful Write Up @Maureen……….I love this story and it even sound as if its a true life story but either way,This is a great workdone by Maureen…Am happy that i am reading this story again and i pray LC finish this article this time around cos the last time i read RIVALRY,The other episodes were not pasted for us to read on…….GOOD JOB LC and RIDE ON MAUREEN